Blade, my grappling training is going well. My instructor changed the format of the Vale Tudo class a little bit. In the first two classes, we rolled almost the entire class. Now, he usually shows us a few things and we do some drills for the first half of class, then roll (including striking) for the second half. Afterwards, like before, he takes questions and helps us figure out things we had problems with while sparring. I like this layout better.

Recently, I pulled out some Erik Paulson tapes I have. I watched his "Combat Submission Wrestling" tapes (2-tape set). The last parts of each tape are grappling. Good stuff. I took notes and indexed the techniques. I also bought "Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu the Master Text", by Simco, and one of my friends let me borrow his Mario Sperry tapes. I haven't gotten too far into them (book and Sperry), but I can already tell a difference, just from watching the Paulson tapes. I am starting to think out of the box... or at least out of MY box. I am starting to see positions, transistions, attacks, and defenses that I didn't see before. I haven't gotten everything to work, yet, but for now, I am pleased that I am at least seeing more of the things.

Last week, for example, I rolled with 2 guys who are construction workers (strong grips!) and have done some wrestling before. They kicked my ass, but neither made me tap. Against one guy, I went from closed guard to half guard. Then, I slipped out the side and took his back. I almost got the choke, but I couldn't get my hooks in, and he got me off. Next time, I'll try to get the hooks in and solidify my position before going for the choke.

Against some other guys last week, I almost got one guy in an arm bar from my guard twice, but I couldn't get my leg over in the right position. I later found out that he was putting his hand on his head to cause my leg to slide off. I made a mental note of that for later. Another lesson learned. :) Still, I was glad that I at least remembered that I COULD do an arm bar from there. Later, I got someone else in a spinning arm bar from side control. :)

All in all, I look for little victories - like slipping out the side or not letting one of the better fighters sub me.

Unfortunately, my class is in danger of being canceled, due to attendance. I jokingly posted on my school's website that, "I've gotten so used to throwin' down with the other guys in class, it might take me awhile to "settle down" in the other classes. &amp;lt;hint, hint&amp;gt; ;&amp;gt; (Just kidding)" So, we'll see.

So, I am far from being a grappling master, but I feel like I am progressing quite nicely.

Amazing what one can do when one combines her true chrisma, killer business instincts, and sucky martial arts. I do have to give dragon lady credit for a new innovation. in the old days McDojos sold a new belt at marked up prices, now she gets to sell a new uniform for every rank, And it looks like she is selling hapkido uniforms to her black belts. I wonder if they ever spar against other dojos?

-----------------------------------------------------
"The difference between us, and other martial arts websites you might be looking for, is that we're not going to feed you, well, bullshit about martial arts."
-Phrost

JKD chick, if you ever line up a challenge match against dragon lady, I will be happy to kick in $100 towards your travel expenses. Hey, she's a grandmaster, she should be able to survive a challenge match.